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Yoga & Walking at Dovedale

Activity types:

Level

Difficulty indicator

Difficulty is measured on many factors such as distance, ascent/descent, terrain, weather and more. There's no magic formula, but from our experience we use yellow for easy, orange for medium and red for hard. Challenger holidays require a high level of fitness and stamina.

Holiday overview

In yoga we stretch, balance and concentrate in various poses with the aim of strengthening the weak areas and loosening the tight and tense areas in our body. Breathing techniques enhance energy levels and can benefit our emotional state, while meditation and relaxation techniques calm and replenish us. Combine Yoga sessions with an energising guided walk in the best of the local countryside for the perfect treat for mind and body.

Holiday Highlights:

Experienced tutors to offer advice, answer your questions and take you through the key principles

In pictures...

Accommodation

The Peveril of the Peak occupies a wonderful position in the village of Thorpe, less than a mile from the famous stepping stones at the entrance to the Dove Dale gorge. Named after the novel by Sir Walter Scott, it offers excellent facilities and is surrounded by extensive grounds.

Bedrooms

The Peveril of the Peak has 45 en-suite bedrooms, all located in the main building.

Our classic bedrooms offer comfortable accommodation and an en-suite bathroom with bath or shower. They also have TV, hairdryer, and tea and coffee making facilities. Single rooms are available for an extra £8 per night.

You can enjoy extra space or exceptional views plus additional facilities including a towelling robe and complimentary slippers when you upgrade to a premium bedroom. Premium rooms are available at just £5 extra per person per night.

If you are travelling with your family, we have a selection of 3 and 4-bedded family bedrooms. These have all the facilities of our classic rooms plus full sized twin or double beds for adults and bunk beds or occasional beds for children.

All our Country Houses are tailored to walkers and outdoor enthusiasts and have excellent boot and drying rooms.

On the ground floor there is a large reception area and lounge, a newly refurbished dining room and a bar.

Upstairs there is a large function room and additional bar. This is a very flexible space that can be used for dancing, or as a very comfortable room for many leisure activity holidays.

Free WiFi is available in some public rooms. There is also a range of board games and books.

The Peveril of the Peak has extensive grounds with an attractive patio and garden with wide-ranging views of the surrounding countryside.

A footpath leads directly from the car park to the famous stepping stones at the base of Dove Dale, less than a mile away. Also nearby is the Tissington Trail, an old railway line that is now a traffic-free route for walkers and cyclists.

All holidays at our Country Houses are Full Board with all meals included, from dinner on arrival to breakfast on the day of your departure.

Start your day with our extensive breakfast. Choose from a wide selection on the cold buffet and/or a full cooked breakfast. Maybe enjoy a lighter option of fruit and yoghurt followed by scrambled egg, go for porridge followed by a full English breakfast, or select something in between.

Choose from our famous self-select picnic lunches - everything you need to keep you going on a day outdoors. Your own choice of sandwiches is prepared to order, and you can add crisps and snacks, fruit, nuts, chocolate bars, sweets and biscuits as you wish.

The relaxed dinner is a highlight of any stay at our Country Houses. With tables seating up to 10 and no seating plan, it offers a great opportunity to get to know your fellow guests. There is always a choice of dishes for every course, featuring good British cooking and often local specialities. A vegetarian option is always available.

All our Country Houses have a well-stocked bar serving local beers, wine and spirits.

Guided Walking: enjoy a glass of wine or local beer in the bar before a talk about the next day's walks. After dinner there will be an activity or entertainment which you will be welcome to join. These vary from week to week but could include a talk talk about the local area from a visiting speaker or a team quiz. Alternatively if you prefer, feel free to just relax in our lounge or bar.

Leisure Activities: many of our Leisure Activities holidays continue into the evening with programmed sessions. Other holidays will have the evenings free, and you will be welcome to join in other social activities that may be happening in the house.

Family holidays: our activity leaders are on hand to organise children’s activities and games for younger children before dinner. These could include rounders, outdoor games, or crafts. After dinner there are further activities for the whole family.

Self-Guided Walking: there may be evening social activities happening in the house during your holiday, and you will be most welcome to join in. However, not all self-guided holidays will have evening activities available – if these are important to you, please check before booking.

Itinerary

Arrival day: You can check in to your room from 2.30pm onwards. Please join us for afternoon tea at 4pm. All guests are invited – we’ll introduce your leader and welcome you to your holiday.

Daily programme: In the morning you can enjoy a guided walk lead by an experienced HF Holidays' walks leader. Each afternoon there will be a Yoga session (start times and duration will depend on specific activities undertaken). A further optional Yoga or relaxation session may be offered after dinner.

Departure day: Depart after a leisurely breakfast

What to bring

Yoga: No special clothing is required for your yoga holiday, but it is recommended that you wear loose fitting clothes to facilitate easy movement. There may be some work lying down, so it is recommended that you also bring a non-slip Yoga mat and, if possible, a small blanket.

Walking: To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, it is essential that your footwear, clothing and equipment are suitable for the conditions likely to be encountered. Britain is famous for its changeable weather, so our advice is to come prepared for all eventualities.

Local area

Discover the Peak District

The Peveril of the Peak occupies a wonderfully peaceful location in the village of Thorpe, and is surrounded by the rolling countryside of the Derbyshire Dales.

The nearest facilities are in the small town of Ashbourne, about 3 miles away. Here you’ll find a full range of shops plus supermarkets, banks, chemists, pubs and cafés.

During your stay you may enjoy visiting the following places of interest:

Dove DaleOne of the natural wonders of the Peak District, the spectacular limestone valley of Dove Dale is less than 1 mile from The Peveril of the Peak – just follow the footpath signs from the car park.

Chatsworth HouseHome to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth House is one of Britain’s most visited stately homes, which sits at the heart of a huge estate. Throughout the house there are fine displays of furniture, silver, tapestries, porcelain and paintings. The formal gardens cover 105 acres and include fountains, sculptures and a maze. Chatsworth is around 50 minutes' drive from The Peveril of the Peak. www.chatsworth.org

Crich Tramways VillageLocated near the village of Crich, about 45 minutes' drive away, the National Tramway Museum has an impressive collection of vintage trams which run on a recreated historic street. www.tramway.co.uk

CastletonThe popular village of Castleton is an excellent starting point for walks in the ‘Dark Peak’; just under an hour's drive away. Nearby are four extensive show caves: Peak Cavern, Blue John Cavern, Speedwell Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern. www.castleton.co.uk/caverns

BakewellHome to the famous ‘Bakewell Pudding’, this is one of the most attractive small towns in the national park. Bakewell is around 35 minutes' drive away.

Alton TowersThe huge Alton Towers theme park is only 30 minutes' drive away and is a very popular option for families. www.altontowers.com

Tissington TrailThe Tissington Trail is just half a mile away from The Peveril of the Peak. This offers 13 miles of traffic-free cycling along a disused railway line and connects with the 17 mile High Peak Trail. Cycle hire is available nearby.

Travel

By train:

The nearest railway stations are Buxton or Derby. For train times and general rail enquiries visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 03457 484950 (from outside the UK call +44 20 7278 5240).

By taxi:

The 19 mile journey from Buxton railway station takes approximately 35 minutes; the 17 mile journey from Derby takes approx 40 minutes. Pre-booked taxis cost approx £31 per taxi. Details of our current recommended taxi company and rates will be sent to you with your booking. The return taxi journey can be arranged on your behalf by the Peveril of the Peak Manager.

By bus:

There is a limited bus service to Thorpe village. From Buxton take the 442 bus service to Ashbourne, then change to the 101 bus to Thorpe village. From Derby station take the SW1 service to Ashbourne and then the 101 bus. From Thorpe village it is a 500 metre walk along Wintercroft Lane to the Peveril of the Peak. For bus times see www.traveline.info

By car:

From the south leave the M1 at junction 24 and head to Ashbourne via the A50 and A515. Continue north on the A515 heading towards Buxton. 1 mile north of Ashbourne turn left, signposted to Thorpe, Dovedale and Ilam. After a further 2 miles the road bends sharply left by the New Dog pub. The Peveril of the Peak lies ahead at the bottom of the hill. Look out for the sign.

From Buxton take the A515 south towards Ashbourne. After 17 miles turn right at a crossroads, following signs to Thorpe, Ilam and Dovedale. After 1 mile turn right by the New Dog pub. The Peveril of the Peak lies ahead at the bottom of the hill. Look out for the sign.

From the west leave the M6 at junction 15 and head via the A50, Cheadle (A521) and Oakamoor (A5417) to the A52. At the junction of the A52 and the A523 take the minor road signposted to Ilam. After 1½ miles turn left and descend the hill. Cross the bridge at Ilam, turn right and follow the road up a steep hill and onwards through Dovedale and Thorpe village. The Peveril of the Peak is on the left hand side at the end of the village.

Leaders

Gill Beeson

Gill is a fully qualified Dru yoga and Dru meditation teacher and has been teaching since 2007. Dru is a flowing and accessible form of yoga which improves flexibility, general health and wellbeing and recent research has shown that it has positive effects mentally and emotionally as well as physically.

Gill is passionate about the benefits of both yoga and meditation and aims to ensure that all her students gain maximum possible benefits whatever their circumstances or level of fitness or flexibility by teaching in a relaxed and enjoyable way, always with a sprinkling (or shower!) of laughter.

Reviews

Date & Rating

Customer Review

HF Holidays says

13 Aug 2015, 5:30 p.m.

Service rating:

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Product rating:

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Service review:

I have enjoyed all the holidays I have taken with HF over many years and think you offer excellent value for money

Product review:

First rate teaching and pleasant walking in glorious scenery. The house and facilities were excellent.

13 Aug 2015, 5:15 p.m.

Service rating:

+

Product rating:

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Service review:

In general, HF holidays are very good, but, as I have been on over 15 now in 3 years, I'm now being more selective and the ones I chose recently are very good indeed.

Product review:

This was first class. In 24 years of yoga, Jules is the best teacher I've had and I'm now travelling 17 miles to be in her regular class. Bob was also very good and the two of them complemented each other perfectly.